Planning a trip to the Algarve and wondering how to get from Faro to Portimao? Whether you’re landing in Faro Airport and heading straight to the golden beaches of Portimao or trying to figure out the best way to navigate the region, this guide will answer all your questions.

Getting around in the Algarve can be a bit tricky for a first-timer, especially if you’re traveling alone. However, since I’ve done this journey myself when I was going to attend Afro Nation music festival, I’ve got you covered.

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Faro to Portimao: Distance and Travel Time

Portimao is located around 70 KM west of Faro, and the ride can take up to 2 hours, depending on various factors. Your chosen mode of transport will make a difference, so as your pick-up point, which is in this case, Faro International Airport. 

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4 Ways to Get From Faro to Portimao

Now, if you’re asking yourself, “how do I get from Faro airport to Portimao?” or “what is the best transportation in Algarve?”, I’m about to break down everything for you.

Getting From Faro to Portimao via Bus

If you want to take the bus from Faro to Portimao, you have multiple options since there are several bus operators in the area. Bus ticket prices range from €2.25 to €16.5.

• Line 16 by Proximo Service (Faro Airport to Faro City Center): This bus runs from 5:20 AM to 12:10 AM, with departures every 30 to 60 minutes to the city center. From there, you can take another bus or train to Portimao. Tickets (€2.25 each) can be purchased from the driver upon boarding the bus.
• Line 56 by Vamus (Faro Airport to Portimao): This is the one I personally took, by purchasing the ticket from the ticket machine in the airport’s parking lot. These buses run less frequently, though, but the route includes several Algarve destinations, making stops at Albufeira and Lagoa. 
• Alsa bus (Faro Airport to Portimao): Despite the fewer buses, this is the fastest one to get you from Faro to Portimao as it’s a direct bus that doesn’t make any stops along the way. Tickets (∼ €9 each) can be purchased online via Omio. 

PRO TIP: I highly recommend booking all your tickets online in advance. Planning ahead will save you the hassle if you arrive at an inconvenient time and allows you to choose a flight that aligns better with your bus departure. 

Getting From Faro to Portimao via Ride-Hailing Apps/Taxi

If this sounds like a major hassle to you, and as a traveler, you prioritize comfort and convenience, then maybe you should consider taking a car to Portimao. If you’re wondering how much is a taxi from Faro to Portimao, well, you probably guessed right, it’s a lot! A taxi ride can cost you up to €80, even if you request a ride-hailing service. I remember when I checked Uber and Bolt, rides were about €70 at the time. 

However, it’s a 45-minute ride from Faro to Portimao. If you take a taxi, you’ll have the whole car to yourself, it will make no stops, and it will drop you off wherever you’re headed in Portimao. So, choose your poison, I guess? I honestly don’t mind the hassle and the transfers as I’d rather spend my money on experiences. But there’s no right or wrong way to travel.

Getting From Faro to Portimao via Car

If you’re considering renting your own car and maybe going on a road trip along the Algarve coast, here are a bunch of platforms I recommend in Europe:

• DiscoverCars 
• Rentalcars.com
• AutoEurope

Getting From Faro to Portimao via Private Transfer

Another option for those who prefer comfort over budget is hiring a driver with a car. It’s still a pricey option, which isn’t really budget-friendly for solo travelers, as prices start at €50-ish. However, this guarantees you don’t arrive at the airport and keep getting canceled on by Uber drivers, and it will save you the hassle of haggling with taxi drivers. But if you’re traveling with friends, you can rent a van or a minibus. 

Here are some of the platforms I recommend:

• GetTransfer.com
• Kiwitaxi
• intui.travel

Bonus Tips for Those Traveling From Faro to Portimao

• Book all your tickets online in advance. Planning ahead will save you the hassle if you arrive at an inconvenient time and will guarantee that you find tickets. I personally use Omio (formerly known as GoEuro) and Rome2Rio.
• If you’re opting for the bus to travel from Faro to Portimao, make sure your flight arrives in Faro airport at a convenient time that aligns with your bus departure. 

• Avoid arriving late at night, especially if you’re a solo female traveler arriving at a completely new destination. Figuring your way around a foreign city can be overwhelming, and you want to do better for your own safety. 
• When in Portimao, don’t miss the iconic Bengail Caves boat tour and explore the town’s pristine beaches. 

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What’s Your Best Transport Option As a Solo Traveler?

Since budgeting is one of solo travel’s biggest downsides, I assume that as a solo traveler, your priority will be cutting down costs as much as possible. That’s why I recommend opting for the bus, and to avoid going through any hassle, try booking it online as I previously mentioned. If you manage to book the Alsa bus, then great, as it’s the direct one. However, if you end up booking the Vamus bus number 16, then that’s also fine–this ride is only 30 minutes extra. 

On the other hand, if budget isn’t an issue for you, then the most convenient of the pricey options, in my opinion, would be booking a private transfer. Which option would you prefer? Let me know in the comments below. 

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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

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